University Center expands pathways

Since 2007, Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) has collaborated with select, regional institutions to offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at its Pottstown and Blue Bell campuses. In honor of this partnership—the University Center—MCCC recently celebrated the renewed agreements with three of the partner institutions: Albright College, Chestnut Hill College and Immaculata University.

“All colleges should strive for this type of collaborative relationship that exists with the University Center,” said MCCC President Dr. Kevin Pollock. “This greatly benefits our students, who can conveniently continue their education and obtain their advanced degrees on our campuses.”

University Center student Thomas Schiel of Boyertown shared his success story during the ceremony. After earning his associate’s degree at MCCC in Pottstown, he transferred into Albright College’s program and earned his bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology & Organizational Behavior. He is now continuing his education at Chestnut Hill College in Pottstown to earn his master’s degree in Administration of Human Services.

“I thought earning a graduate degree was out of my realm, but with the University Center, I can work full time, spend time with my family and earn my master’s degree,” he said. “And, my kids see that if I can go to college, so can they.”

The University Center partnership started in 2007 in Pottstown with Albright College as one of the first partners. Albright offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, Information Systems, Applied Psychology & Organizational Behavior, Crime and Justice and Information Systems and Management at both campuses.

“The University Center builds on the student’s strong foundation received at MCCC,” said Albright’s Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Mary McGee. “Students can seamlessly transfer into Albright’s Bachelor of Science programs. We’re proud to be a flagship member of this growing partnership that supports students who are hungry to continue their education.”

In 2010, Chestnut Hill College joined the University Center at Pottstown, offering a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and a Master of Science degree in Administration of Human Services. With the renewed agreement, Chestnut Hill also will offer Bachelor of Science degrees in Social Gerontology and Business Communications.

“The way to move forward is through partnerships like what we have with the University Center, where students have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of a four-year education,” said Chestnut Hill College President Sister Carol Jean Vale, SSJ, Ph.D. “The University Center is not competition but cooperation among institutions.”

In 2012, Immaculata became a part of the University Center in Blue Bell, offering a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education. With the renewed agreement, Immaculata also will offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management and a Master of Science in Nursing.

“The University Center is important for the region, and we are delighted to be a part of it,” said Immaculata Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Green Cowles. “We are excited to be offering these new degrees as MCCC opens it new Health Sciences Center in 2017.”

In 2016, Cabrini University joined the partnership to offer a Bachelor of Arts degree in Leadership.

“Our goal is to help motivated students have access to quality programs that advance their careers and academic interests,” said Cabrini President Donald B. Taylor, Ph.D. “The University Center offers students the opportunity to earn a degree at a location and in a format that works for them—so that they can focus on success.”

For more information about the University Center, visit https://www.mc3.edu/university-center or contact Lori Hoffert at 610-718-1931 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..